‘To Unlock Blue Economy’ — Sierra Leone Seeks Stronger Maritime Ties With Nigeria

Sierra Leone has called for deeper maritime cooperation with Nigeria and other African countries as it seeks to unlock the economic opportunities presented by the continent’s blue economy.

The Minister of Transport and Aviation of Sierra Leone, Fanday Turay, made the call on Thursday at the Blue Africa Conference held at the Lagos Continental Hotel.

Turay said Sierra Leone was prepared to work with Nigeria, the African Union, development partners and private sector players to advance its maritime development agenda.

“Sierra Leone stands ready to work with Nigeria, MOCA, the African Union, our sister African nations, development partners and the private sector to advance this vision,” he said.

According to him, closer collaboration among African countries would be crucial to developing an interconnected maritime network capable of supporting trade and economic growth across the continent.

“The future must be one of connected African ports, connected markets and connected economies,” he said.

“These advantages give us the opportunity to become an important maritime and logistics gateway in West Africa.

“But our ambition must extend beyond simply having a port. We must build a maritime economy around the port.”

He said the government was implementing reforms aimed at modernising and digitalising the country’s maritime and transport sectors.

The reforms, he explained, covered port infrastructure, maritime safety and security, digital logistics, regional connectivity, skills development and environmental protection.

Turay also identified stronger maritime connections between Nigeria, Sierra Leone and other African countries as essential to maximising the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area provides a historic opportunity to build these connections,” he noted.

“Efficient ports and maritime transport can help translate the Continental Free Trade Area into increased trade, production and employment across our continent.”

The minister expressed concern that Africa had for decades exported commodities through its ports while significant value from shipping, logistics, processing, insurance, technology and other maritime services was generated outside the continent.

“Africa must create and retain more of that value. “Our ports must become centres of production, logistics and value addition.